34 Scholarships Worth Over $100K Awarded To Pensacola Sports Senior Scholar Athletes
May 13, 2021
Each year, Pensacola Sports brings together the top senior student athletes in each sport from Escambia and Santa Rosa County schools for a scholarship recognition program. The 2021 Senior Scholar Athlete Awards event had 227 senior nominees that were introduced during the event at at Olive Baptist Church.
“This might be our best event we do,” said Pensacola Sports President Ray Palmer. “There are some tremendously smart and talented young adults growing up in our school districts and we get to meet and recognize them at this event. It is a great night for everyone involved.”
Jane “Merrill” Dickerson from Washington High School volleyball and Jordan McCants from Pensacola Catholic High School baseball, won the overall female and male scholarships, respectively. Pensacola Sports awarded these two individuals each with a $4,000 scholarship.
Other awardees were:
Dr. Alec Kessler Memorial Scholarship – named for Dr. Alec Kessler, a standout basketball player at University of Georgia and Miami Heat and later an orthopedic surgeon at the Andrews Institute before he passed away suddenly at the age of 40. This scholarship is awarded to students of good character who excels in academics and sports and involved in the community.
Riley Poggi – Pace
Tailor Ernst – Navarre
Levi Cherek – Pensacola
Timothy Burman – Navarre
Prosser Crow – Tate
University of West Florida Scholarship – Awarded to a student-athlete who is attending UWF in the coming year.
Jillian Thornton – Jay
Super Star Multi-Sport Scholarship – Awarded to two students who excelled in the classroom and in more than one sport their senior year.
Landry Cato – Jay
Chance Outten – Escambia
Additionally, Pensacola State College awarded 24 individual sport winners with a one-year renewable scholarship.
The individual sport winners are:
Baseball — Hunter Pierson, Escambia
Girls Basketball — Kinsey King, Catholic
Boys Basketball — Trenton Moye, Central
Cheerleading — Ashlyn NeSmith, Tate
Boys Cross Country — Christopher Bissell, West Florida Tech
Girls Cross Country — Mira Helms , Gulf Breeze
Football — Brennan Smith, Escambia
Girls Golf — Meredith McGhee, Northview
Boys Golf — Maxwell Page, Catholic
Girls Lacrosse — Lauren Thompson , Gulf Breeze
Boys Lacrosse — Joseph Snider, Gulf Breeze
Girls Soccer — Kendall Blackmon, Tate
Boys Soccer — Jackson Hamrick, Catholic
Softball — Kariana Williams, Escambia
Girls Swimming — Paige Connors, West Florida Tech
Boys Swimming — Jack Rowell, Pace
Girls Tennis — Adele Dorion, Pensacola
Boys Tennis — Kyle Kizilbash, Pensacola
Girls Track — De’Aundra Johnson, Pine Forest
Boys Track — Abe Pasion, West Florida Tech
Volleyball — Willow Sinkus-Blackburn, Pace
Schools in both Escambia and Santa Rosa nominate their senior athletes for each sport. A selection committee made of educators, community leaders, and Pensacola Sports board members reviews the anonymous applications and select the best person’s credentials for each sport. Those are the individual sport winners. Then they select the overall male and female winners from the individual sport winners.
Additional 22 COVID-19 Cases Reported In Escambia County
May 13, 2021
THIS IS AN ARCHIVED STORY. SEE NORTHESCAMBIA.COM FOR THE LATEST DATA.
There were 22 additional COVID-19 cases reported Wednesday by the Florida Department of Health.
Here is the latest data:
Escambia County cases:
Total cases: 36,252 (+22)
Non-Florida residents: 3,683
Recovered: 33,779*
Total deaths: 692
Long-term care facility deaths: 286
Current hospitalizations: 28
Number of tests reported last day: 541
Percent positive reported last day: 3.6%
Percent positive reported last week: 5.8%
Escambia County cases by location*:
Pensacola: 27,171(+18)
Cantonment: 3,253 (+1)
Century: 1,182 (+1)
—-including 774 Century prison inmates
Molino: 494
McDavid: 213
Bellview: 59 (+1)
Walnut Hill: 56
Perdido Key: 21
Gonzalez: 13
Santa Rosa County cases:
Total cases: 18,290 (+24)
Non-Florida residents: 257
Total deaths: 290
Long-term care facility deaths: 82
Cumulative Hospitalizations: 904*
Number of tests reported last day: 261
Percent positive reported last day: 6.8%
Santa Rosa County cases by location*:
Milton: 8,719 (+9)
Navarre: 3,773 (+3)
Gulf Breeze: 3,369 (+2)
Pace: 1,493 (+5)
Jay: 553
Bagdad: 32
Florida cases:
Total cases: 2,278,549
Florida residents: 2,235,969
Deaths: 35,882
Hospitalizations: 92,554
*“Hospitalizations” in the statewide and Santa Rosa County totals is a count of all laboratory confirmed cases in which an inpatient hospitalization occurred at any time during the course of illness. Most of these people are longer be hospitalized. The FDOH does not provide a count of patients currently hospitalized. The Escambia County number is current data compiled each day from the local hospitals.
**On cases by location, the city is based upon zip code and is not always received as part of the initial notification. There may be a delay in reporting locations, and locations will not total the daily case increase as a result.
***The Florida Department of Health does not have a clear standard or definition of “recovered” and does not report a number of recovered individuals. Escambia County is reporting an approximate recovery number defined as the total cases prior to last month, minus deaths. In other words, anyone that tested positive more than a month ago is presumed to have recovered by Escambia County.
**Data Sources: Florida Department of Health, Escambia County, City of Pensacola, local hospitals.
Willis Trent “Willie” Kennedy III
May 13, 2021
Willis Trent “Willie” Kennedy III was born on September 10th, 1980. He grew up in Belle Fountain (Gateswood), Alabama. After marrying the love of his life, he moved to Flomaton, Alabama, where he resided with Jessica Kennedy and their 4 children: Lexus, JT, Hunter, and Gracelynn.
Willie was an avid fisherman who competed in many bass tournaments. He could catch a fish in a mud puddle. He would often say he was shopping or eating from “God’s grocery store”. He loved the outdoors. He was raised in the country riding 4-wheelers, mud riding, and going to the river. He also loved to hunt. He had a heart of gold. Anyone who had the privilege of knowing Willie, loved him. He was truly a good ole country boy.
He was a family man that loved his wife and children dearly. He enjoyed watching his boys play baseball and football throughout the years. He worked hard for his family and always talked about them. He was a very proud father and husband.
He worked for Innovative Refrigeration, where he met many close friends over the years.
Willie was one of a kind. He will be greatly missed by many.
Willie passed away unexpectedly on May 12th, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee.
He is preceded in death by his father, Willis Kennedy Jr., his mother, Renee Kennedy, his paternal grandparents AC and Katie Lee and his maternal grandmother, Cindy Ward.
He is survived by his wife, Jessica Kennedy, his children: Lexus, JT, Hunter, and Gracelynn, his sisters: Debbie Long (Brandon) and Cheri Stoker (Chad), his mother and father in law: Curtis and Dianne Carnley, brother in law Michael Carnley (Ashley), and many cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North 1000 S. Hwy 29, Cantonment, Florida, is handling his arrangements. His viewing will be held Monday, May 17th from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the funeral home. His funeral will be held, Tuesday, May 18th at 10:00 AM with Serving as pallbearers are Josh Corey, Shawn Lister, Rocky Davis, Micheal Carnley, AJ Robinson, Scottie Grant, Kaegan Long and Austin (AK) Keith; serving as honorary pallbearers are Tony Lister and Wille’s coworkers at Innovative Refrigeration. Following the services a processional to Clear Springs Cemetery
Nearly 1,000 Molino Gulf Power Customers Left Without Power After Truck Snags Lines
May 12, 2021
A truck with an oversized load brought down power lines Wednesday afternoon in Molino, initially leaving nearly 1,000 Gulf Power customers without power. Hundreds remained in the dark for several hours, and cable tv and internet service remained out into Thursday morning.
An oversized equipment load snagged a line and snapped poles. That left power lines, transformers, cable lines, and even street signs on the ground and in the roadway in the area of Molino Road and Settles Road. The truck driver stopped a short distance away; we are told he was not ticketed because the line he hit was hanging too low.
The Molino Station of Escambia Fire Rescue responded until Gulf Power arrived on scene.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Pensacola Fuel Terminal Operating Again, Gas Supply Expected To Continue To Improve
May 12, 2021
Fuel trucks are once again rolling out of the TransMontaigne terminal in Pensacola to area gas stations.
The terminal receives fuel from barges that travel the Gulf of Mexico, and then the fuel is transferred to trucks for delivery across the area. Fuel for Escambia County is not transported by by the Colonial Pipeline that suffered a cyber attack.
It was temporarily closed because it did not have summer blend gasoline on hand by May 1 as required by federal regulations. Late Tuesday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a temporary waiver through June 1, allowing the winter blend fuel stockpile to be delivered.
“The EPA has not shut down TransMontaigne’s fuel operations in Pensacola. Except for retailers and wholesale purchaser-consumers, all parties in the gasoline distribution chain throughout the United States must meet low volatility standards on May 1. The federal low volatility standards have been in place for decades and begin on May 1 each year. The TransMontaigne terminal in Pensacola, Florida contacted EPA the evening of April 30 to inform EPA that they would be shutting down their operation at midnight since they did not have gasoline meeting the federal low volatility standard. The EPA understands that the terminal is still exploring options to sell compliant gasoline. Retailers and wholesale purchaser-consumers must meet the low volatility standards on June 1,” the EPA said in a statement to our news partners at NewsRadio 92.3/AM 1620.
The summer blend fuel requirements have been in effect since 1989.
Early Wednesday morning, interim Escambia County Public Safety Director Eric Gilmore said many stations in the area are quickly being resupplied with fuel.
Late Tuesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency and activated the National Guard as needed due to fuel supply issues. The situation was worsened by panic buying.
Pictured: Drivers line up for gas Monday at the Speed Mart on Highway 29 at Tate School Road (above), the Circle K at Highway and East Kingsfield Road (below), and Murphy Oil at the Ensley Walmart (bottom). Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Lightning Strikes McDavid Home
May 12, 2021
A house in McDavid was reportedly struck by lightning Wednesday morning.
Escambia Fire Rescue responded to the home in the 800 block of North Century Boulevard, less than a mile from the McDavid Fire Station, shortly before 6 a.m.
The resident reported a lightning strike and smoke in the home. Firefighters located a burned plug behind the stove; there was no other fire reported. There were no injuries.
According to an advisory from the National Weather Service, strong storms were in the area at the time with frequent cloud to ground lighting.
The McDavid, Century, Walnut Hill and Molino stations of Escambia Fire Rescue, the Flomaton Fire Department and Escambia County EMS were dispatched to the call.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
DeSantis Declares State Of Emergency Over Gasoline Supply Problems
May 12, 2021
Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday declared a state of emergency and activated the National Guard as needed due to the cyberattack on the Colonial Pipeline.
“The disruption of Colonial Pipeline operations poses a significant and immediate threat to the continued delivery of such fuel products to the State of Florida,” the governor said in his executive order.
The pipeline does not supply gasoline to Florida, but the outage prompted panic buying across north Florida, including the Escambia County area. The gas situation was worsened locally by the closure of the fuel terminal in Pensacola.
The order loosens size and weight restrictions on trucks hauling fuel in Florida, and it also activates the state’s price gouging hotline at 1-866-NO-SCAM (866-966-7226).
Showers And Thunderstorms Continue, Flash Flood Watch In Effect
May 12, 2021
FLASH FLOOD WATCH in effect through Wednesday evening
Heavy rainfall associated with several rounds of showers and thunderstorms will occur across the area. There could be prolonged periods of heavy rainfall that may result in flash flooding of low lying and urban areas. Rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches may occur, with locally higher totals possible where heavy showers and thunderstorms train over the same area.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 76. East wind around 5 mph becoming northwest in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Wednesday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a low around 59. Northeast wind around 5 mph. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Thursday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1pm, then a slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 70. North wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53. North wind around 5 mph.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 75. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 54. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 79. East wind around 5 mph.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 58. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 82.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 63.
Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 82.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66.
Tuesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 82.
Escambia County Asks Residents Not To Call 911 Unless It’s A True Emergency
May 12, 2021
Escambia County doesn’t want residents to call 911 unless it’s real emergency.
According to the county, nonemergency calls to 911 overloads the 911 system and uses ambulance resources.
According to Escambia County, an emergency is any situation that requires immediate assistance from the police, fire department or ambulance, including:
- A fire
- A crime, especially if in progress
- A car crash, especially if someone is injured
- A medical emergency, such as someone who is unconscious, gasping for air or not breathing, experiencing an allergic reaction, having chest pain, having uncontrollable bleeding, or any other symptoms that require immediate medical attention
The county also says that if you are not sure if it is a true emergency, they recommend calling 911 and let them determine if you need emergency help.
“Calling 9-1-1 in an emergency can save lives and bring immediate help by first responders,” said interim Public Safety Director Eric Gilmore. “Knowing how and when to make a 9-1-1 call can make all the difference in a critical situation. It’s important that first responders are being used for true emergencies.”
Escambia County said do not call 9-1-1 for nonemergent situations such as:
- Requests for Information: Calls for information, such as directory assistance, driving directions or road closures, should not be made to 911. Call 311 or visit the county website.
- Information about COVID-19: If you have come in close contact with someone who has been diagnosed with coronavirus or have symptoms such as fever or cough, call your health care provider, not 911.
- Non-life threatening medical situations: Minor injuries or medical conditions that do not require immediate medical care do not warrant a 911 call. If you or someone you know has mild food poisoning, a slight fever, nausea, or a minor cut, consider calling a physician or going to urgent care
Northview Baseball, Jay Softball Regional Games Postponed Again To Thursday
May 12, 2021
Both the Northview Chiefs baseball and Jay Lady Royals softball regional games in Bonifay were rained out Tuesday night. They were tentatively rescheduled for Wednesday night, but the games have now been moved to Thursday at 7 p.m.
Here’s another look at background information we first published on Tuesday:
Tickets will be sold at the gate for $7 (per game). We are told that there will not be a capacity limit. [Google map ...]
BASEBALL
The Northview High School baseball team will be at Holmes County in the Region 1-1A finals at 7 p.m. The Holmes County Blue Devils are 19-8, and the Chiefs are 17-6. Northview is averaging nine points per game, while Holmes County is averaging 6.9 points.
The teams did not meet during the regular season.
SOFTBALL
The Jay High School softball team will be at Holmes County in the Region 1-1A finals at 7 p.m. The Holmes County Blue Devils are 16-9, the Lady Royals are 22-5. Jay is averaging nine points per game, whiles Holmes County is averaging about 6.5 points.
The teams met once during the regular season. On March 5, Jay beat Holmes County 7-2.
Pictured: The Northview Chiefs (NorthEsambia.com photos) and the Jay Lady Royals (courtesy photo).
